Reverse Trike Drivetrain and Suspension for Chain Tension and Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing reverse trike vehicles face challenges in properly tensioning their drivetrain systems due to the complexity of managing multiple chains, leading to noise and premature chain failure, and they struggle to maintain optimal contact patch with the rear tire during cornering due to the use of swingarm designs, resulting in reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
A two-chain drivetrain system with a novel jackshaft design and a double control arm suspension, eliminating the need for a swingarm, allowing for independent tensioning of each chain and enabling the rear tire to maintain contact patch through unequal control arms that pivot and tilt during cornering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple chains are used in the drivetrain system, then power transmission capability is improved, but tensioning complexity increases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chain tensioning functions into a single integrated jackshaft assembly that can tension both chains simultaneously through a unified adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tensioning procedures for each chain
Solution Approach 2:
The jackshaft assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a power transmission element, a tensioning adjustment mechanism, and a structural support component, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite using multiple chains
2Power
If multiple chains are used in the drivetrain system, then power transmission capability is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chain tensioning functions into a single integrated jackshaft assembly that can tension both chains simultaneously through a unified adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tensioning procedures for each chain
Solution Approach 2:
The drivetrain system is designed to be self-tensing through the jackshaft mechanism that automatically maintains proper chain tension during operation, eliminating the need for external intervention and reducing noise from improper tensioning
3Device complexity
If swingarm design is used for rear suspension, then structural simplicity is improved, but contact patch maintenance during cornering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rear suspension system into separate control arms for each wheel, allowing independent movement and rotation of each wheel to maintain optimal contact patch during cornering, while keeping each control arm structurally simple
Solution Approach 2:
The control arms are designed to dynamically adjust wheel position and orientation during cornering forces, automatically maintaining optimal contact patch geometry without requiring complex mechanical linkages
Data Source
AI summary
A drivetrain system for a reverse trike configured to transmit power from the motor to the rear wheel includes a first and a second drive chain being the only two drive chains utilized. A jackshaft has at one end a first universal joint connected to a first jackshaft sprocket and at an opposite end has a second universal joint connected to a second jackshaft sprocket. The first drive chain is connected between the motor output sprocket and the first jackshaft sprocket. The second drive chain is connected between the second jackshaft sprocket and the rear wheel drive sprocket. The first jackshaft sprocket is rotatably attached to the frame and configured to be movable away from and towards the motor output sprocket. The second jackshaft sprocket is rotatably attached to the frame and configured to be movable away from and towards the rear wheel drive sprocket.